Modification of Diesohol Fuel Properties by Using Cashew Nut Shell Liquid and Biodiesel as Additives

In this research, modified diesohol blends were characterized with cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and biodiesel as additives. Different proportions of CNSL, diesel, and ethanol were prepared to study the properties of the fuel blends such as viscosity, heating value, acid value, and cetane index. The minimum threshold limit of 6% by volume of CNSL provided a stable mixture. The viscosity increased slightly with increasing CNSL content whereas the heating value was not significantly affected. All of the fuel blends did not meet the fuel standard in terms of the acid value. Biodiesel was used as a substitute for a fraction of CNSL to lower the acid value. The final fuel blend was DE20 (diesohol with 20% ethanol content) with 0.5% CNSL and 12% biodiesel (by volume). The acid value, viscosity, and heating value were 0.78 mg(KOH) g(-1), 2.69 cSt, and 40.11 MJkg(-1), respectively. The economic analysis showed that the ex-refinery and retail prices of the fuel blend were 22.83 and 28.32 baht L-1, respectively (approximate to 32 Thai baht=$1 US, with the current exchange rates).